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England’s best-known and most popular national park is a postcard landscape of shimmering lakes, craggy hilltops and ancient forests that has enchanted poets and painters since the late 18th century, when the Romantics first had their imaginations stirred by the panoramas that have remained unchanged to this day.
And what panoramas they are. There’s the classic Lakeland setting of Windermere, England’s largest lake and the primary destination for millions of tourists since the railroad was first built in the middle of the 19th century. On it is busy Bowness and the charming villages of Grasmere and Hawkshead, surrounded on all sides by beautiful mountains.
The north lakes – Ullswater, Bassenthwaite, Derwentwater, Loweswater – are quieter and wilder, in the shadow of the rugged Skiddaw range and with handsome Keswick at the heart of it. The lush Borrowdale Valley leads to the dramatic Honister mountain pass and into the natural lakes of Buttermere & Crummock.
Adventure seekers go west, to the higher ground of Great Langdale and the region’s major summits of Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and the biggest mountain of all, Scafell Pike.
The Lake District is an outdoor activities paradise, but its literary connections draw as many visitors as its walks do. William Wordsworth lived virtually all of his life here, drawing inspiration from the surrounding countryside to write some of the English language’s most enduring poetry. The landscape also proved a creative spark for the likes of Sameul Taylor Coleridge, Arthur Ransome and Beatrix Potter – who dedicated much of her life to protecting the Lake District’s beauty and heritage.
In all its beauty and diversity the Lake District remains as it has been for millennia, which is one of the reasons why in 2017 the national park was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site – its river valleys, lakes and mountains home to an unique hill-farming culture and ancient heritage that has been carefully preserved. Here in the Lake District we know how to take good care of you; we’ve had plenty of practice.
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Brought to you by National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing ritual…
Little Explorers story and nature walks for under 5s and their grown-ups. These fun interactive…
Join us for an epic day exploring the breathtaking Coniston fells with our expert guide, where…
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan this coming May.
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for…
Create your own silver pendant or earrings inspired by the natural world. Silver clay is fun, fast…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and…
This new display delves into the Townend archive collection, a treasure trove of four hundred years…
As part of Windermere Science Festival enjoy an Agatha Christie-inspired three-course meal and…
Take inspiration from Windermere Jetty Museum's collection and build your own model boat from…
Like the poets of antiquity, Wordsworth turns to vocal groves as sites of commiseration and…
Learn a traditional rural craft and make your own timeless round basket with a handle. A course for…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
The autumn 23/24 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
On the 31st May we're looking forward to welcoming Rambling Rob Young – A singer-songwriter…
On 14 December 2017, Omar Samra and Omar Nour, affectionately dubbed 'O2', set off in the world's…
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere in Cumbria, this extensive working mill produced literally…
A 112 mile charity sportive around the English Lake District.
A National Park Volunteer-led guided walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 492
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Windermere
Our aim is simple – a dining experience that will keep you coming back time and time again.
Graythwaite
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the Lake District; Grubbins Point on Windermere. From this sheltered bay on the southwest shore, we offer both instructed lessons and board hire. Stand up…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
330 reviewsKeswick
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale Hotel’s Restaurant will be the most memorable reservation you have made yet.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
149 reviewsAmbleside
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland holiday! These days aim to blend rock climbing, rock scrambling and abseiling to give a varied and always fun experience in beautiful locations.
Coniston
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock climbing, it is a great way to ascend a mountain taking on the challenge of using your hands and feet to climb steeper sections of rocky terrain. As the…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsEskdale
Is jumping from height into water your thing? There are jumps galore along with swimming across pools and scrambling up rocks. It's set in a beautiful area and you will really immerse yourself in the surrounding scenery - literally! If you're…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1053 reviewsConiston
Outdoor provider based in the Lake District. Rob Green Guiding offers fantastic outdoor experiences from a qualified Mountain Leader; guided mountain days out, navigation training and general mountain skills coaching and training.
Lake Road, Windermere
A seasonal touring pitch at Hill of Oaks allows you to enjoy the comfort and familiarity of your caravan time and time again.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
444 reviewsGrasmere
Voted Best Small Hotel at the 2018 Cumbria Tourism awards, Rothay Garden is a delightful Lakeland hotel, overlooked by majestic fells in the vale of Grasmere, surely the perfect choice to enjoy a holiday in Cumbria's English Lake District.
The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top 5% of the darkest places in Britain. On a clear evening, we are able to see thousands of stars and constellations including the spectacular Milky Way.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
458 reviewsAmbleside
Our 2 luxurious Micro Lodge Pods have been hand built for couples wanting a romantic retreat or a place to chill out for a few days. Located on Broadrayne Farm in the very heart of the Lake District National Park.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
41 reviewsNewby Bridge
Anyone Can is an inclusive adventure company. We welcome those with additional needs and those without. We have a wide range of adaptive and inclusive equipment to make adventures possible for our clients. Activities include accessible Canoeing,…
Ambleside
Zeffirellis is an independent cinema that supports new and emerging talents within the world of cinema and the arts. We offer the complete evening out, you can wine and dine and see a film.
Grasmere
This delightful traditional 2-bedroom Lakeland cottage is idyllically situated in a quiet, elevated and secluded rural position above Grasmere next to Little White Moss Tarn a short walk from Dove Cottage.
Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
167 reviewsWindermere
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor Hotel takes it's name from the majestic Indian Cedar Tree, said to be 200 years old, which dominates its mature private gardens.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1613 reviewsWindermere
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White Cross Bay Holiday Park in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2693 reviewsAmbleside
Set in the heart of the Lake District national park, come visit us at our exclusive location set in the estate of Rydal hall. Our campsite is suited for a quiet stay for families, individuals, and couples looking for a peaceful break in the great…
Windermere
Join us on our unique minibus tours and discover spectacular scenery, breathtaking views and fascinating Lake District stories. Daily guided tours for scenery, Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth and out to Haworth and the Brontë sisters.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
499 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL